A common theme is time - travel. Since James Potter is from an earlier era in the wizarding world, fanfictions often use time - travel to bring him and Hermione Evans together. It creates an interesting dynamic as they have to bridge the gap between different times and magical knowledge.
One popular theme is their courtship at Hogwarts. It often includes James trying to impress Lily with his Quidditch skills or his academic achievements. Another theme is their friendship with the Marauders and how that affected their relationship. For instance, Sirius and Remus might play matchmaker for them.
Well, 'The Hidden Alliance' is a Hermione Evans and James Potter fanfiction worth checking out. It starts with a mystery that only they can solve together. As they work side by side, they discover things about themselves and each other that they never expected. The story is long and detailed, with a great deal of world - building that makes the whole concept of their partnership seem very believable. There are also some really sweet moments between them that make you root for their relationship throughout the story.
The 'love triangle' trope can be popular. Maybe Maddie Potter has a crush on James Potter, but James is in love with Lily Evans. This creates a lot of drama and tension. Another trope could be the 'found family'. Maddie, who may be an orphan or an outsider, finds a family in James and Lily. They take her under their wing and protect her, and she in turn helps them in their adventures.
One common theme is growth. You see James Potter grow from a bit of a troublemaker to a more responsible person because of his love for Lily. Lily also grows in her understanding of James. Additionally, the theme of family is important. Their future family, especially with Harry, is sometimes hinted at in the fanfictions. The war against the dark forces is also a theme that often comes up, as it affects their relationship and their lives.
One common theme is their relationship development. It often starts from their initial dislike or indifference to each other, like in the books, and then gradually grows into love. For example, in many fanfictions, James has to work hard to change Lily's perception of him from a bully to a worthy partner.
The theme of growth is often present. Both James and Lily grow as individuals and as a couple in many fanfictions. They learn from their experiences, become more empathetic, and this growth is what cements their relationship in these stories.
In many fanfictions about them, the theme of sacrifice is present. Given the dangerous wizarding world they live in, they might have to sacrifice personal desires or safety for each other. Also, the theme of family is important. Since they end up having a family together, stories often explore how their relationship sets the foundation for the Potter family, and how their love influences their future children, like Harry.
The popularity of Lily Evans and James Potter fanfiction lies in the fact that their relationship is full of potential for exploration. We know they are Harry's parents, but there are so many gaps in their story. Fanfiction allows fans to fill those gaps, like how they really fell in love or what their lives were like at Hogwarts before Harry was born.
Another theme is the power of magic in relationships. The Amortentia is a magical potion, and its presence in the fanfiction highlights how magic can influence emotions. It can show how the characters are both drawn to and sometimes scared of the power that the Amortentia represents in their connection.
The theme of redemption also comes up. James may have made mistakes in the past, and the fanfiction might explore how his love for Lily is a part of his redemption arc. For example, he might stop his bullying behavior because of his feelings for her.